Sir Alex Ferguson has been voted greatest manager of all time by World Soccer

Former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has been voted the greatest manager of all time by World Soccer. Regular readers of the blog will remember that less than three weeks ago we questioned the negative approach towards Ferguson’s career at United, with Brain Glanville – a well respected and highly insightful journalist – focusing more so on previous European Cup winners and the 99 questions posed to Ferguson by former shareholders of Magnier and McManus. Glanville indeed voted for Ferguson.

The summer issue takes a totally different viewpoint, with the great man just beating Rinus Michels by three votes to win the greatest manager of all time.

One thing I can’t stand since this blogging phenomenon came along is an angry response to an authoritative figure behind the furious bashing of a worn out keyboard. This is closely followed by the pretentious and cringeworthy open letter, which of course would be used as toilet paper by the person it is indeed intended for.

But I would like to discuss the comments by the well respect and extremely knowledgeable Brian Glanville in this month’s World Soccer – a superbly glorious historical football publication. The legendary journalist decided to focus on Sir Alex Ferguson, probably for the final time, but instead of gushing over the unprecedented era of success, Glanville has opted to concentrated on Ferguson’s handling of individuals within his profession and the 99 questions posed to the great man by Magnier and McManus.

Sir Alex Ferguson today spoke of Rafa Benitez being “concerned with his CV” ahead of Chelsea’s visit to Old Trafford on Sunday. The interim Chelsea manager will indeed leave the club in the summer and Ferguson jibe was no doubt aimed at Benitez’ inevitable job search post May.

The Chelsea boss has just picked up manager of the month for April and will look to end his uncomfortable time at Stanford Bridge on a high. His side are still fighting for a Champions League spot, whilst also getting to a Europa League final, something Sir Alex noted in his press conference ahead of the tie.

Handshakes, post game drinks – the two have never seen eye to eye, however – has Ferguson acknowledges the contributions of his opposite number in an extremely hostile environment or as he, like he has done so many times before, change his approach when a manger is no longer a threat?

Michael Carrick has been excellent for Manchester United this term. United’s number sixteen, who signed from Tottenham Hotspur in the summer of 2006, has been a pivotal part of the side to ensure a unprecedented 20th league was won with four games to spare. Carrick has played in 43 games for United this season, that is second to only Robin van Persie.

Earlier in the season, we described Carrick as United’s most important midfielder and after a number of dominant performances, you can’t argue otherwise. The cultured midfielder was speaking with the official Manchester United website and discussed Andrea Pirlo, Sergio Busquets and setting an example for the younger players.

Carrick’s performances were noted by his peers and he was nominated for the PFA footballer of the year award, which was subsequently won by Gareth Bale.

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes that Wayne Rooney has a long term future at the club, despite numerous press reports linking the forward in a summer move to French club PSG. Rooney is fourth in the all time United goal scorers, behind Jack Rowley, Denis Law and Bobby Charlton and will be participating in his ninth season at United in August. Rooney’s exclusive in the 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid made the morning papers, which was no doubt a blessing for Turkish referee Cuneyt Cakir. Ferguson was quoted as saying that established players, like Rooney, have a significant part to play in the development of the younger players next season.

As the hangover sets in, Fergie’s embarrassing dancing fades and the reality that Manchester United are indeed Champions of England once again, it is a good time to reflect on one of the players of the season – Robin van Persie. Sir Alex spoke after the game about the impact the Dutchman has had at the club since signing from Arsenal last summer and likened him to legendary captain Eric Cantona, for his impact in the big matches.

Van Persie could finish the season as the league’s top goalscorer and pick up the PFA Player of the year award – not a bad season to be fair! Read on to hear from the manager.

Nemanja Vidic expects a tough match for Manchester United away at West Ham

Nemanaja Vidic has spoken to MUTV about Manchester United’s trip away to West Ham and expects a tough time, like the physical encounter away at Stoke City on Sunday. United won the match 2-0, with Vidic superb at the heart of the defence, winning header after header against the physical Kenwyne Jones, who was eventually substituted.

United’s captain has only featured in twenty appearances so far this season, with sixteen of those coming in the league. His inclusion will be vital to combat the aerial threat of Andy Carroll. United have played West Ham three times so far this season, winning the match 1-0 at home in the league, drawing 2-2 in the FA Cup and then winning the replay 1-0.

Nemanja Matic has been linked with a transfer to Manchester United from Benfica

The Guardian has linked Benfica midfielder Nemanja Matic with a move to Manchester United from Benfica to strengthen the midfield. For a number of years, many reds have longed for a top class centre midfielder, even more so after 39 year old Ryan Giggs was chosen to pair with Michael Carrick in the 2-1 defeat to Manchester City last Monday. Matic has recently signed a new five year deal, so will come at a price, but according to the report – United’s scouts have been impressed with the Serbian international who has notched up five goals so far this term. The 25 year old has featured five times for his country.

Wayne Rooney impressed Sir Alex Ferguson against Newcastle United in the league cup last night.

Sir Alex Ferguson was impressed with Wayne Rooney last night in the 2-1 league cup victory over Newcastle United. Rooney had injured his right leg in the 3-2 victory over Fulham at the end of August after coming on as a substitute. Earlier in the season, he had been criticised for a lacklustre performance against his former club Everton, where United lost 1-0. His performance in an unorthodox midfield role highlighted Fergie’s desire to get his number ten back playing as soon as possible. United welcome Spurs to Old Trafford on Saturday.

Sir Alex Ferguson banned two journalists for reporting that Rio Ferdinand would miss the Everton game.

Sir Alex Ferguson banning reporters from weekly press conference at Carrington is nothing new, nor is he silent in his criticism for some journalists who he believes create fictitious stories to unsettle his Manchester United players. James Ducker, The Times North West correspondent, posted an interested link to debate on Ferguson’s latest ban. Two journalists, Mark Ogden and Paul Hetherington have been banned from United press conferences, apparently for reporting that Rio Ferdinand would not feature in the 1-0 defeat to Everton recently – a story, that turned out to be true. Here we look at the views from both sides of this decision.